SRINAGAR: Authorities have issued a detailed traffic advisory and route plan ahead of the large congregations expected at the Hazratbal Shrine during Jumat-ul-Vida on March 13 and Shab-i-Qadr, falling on the intervening night of March 16–17.
According to the Traffic Police, elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure smooth vehicular movement for devotees travelling to the revered shrine from North, South and Central Kashmir. Specific routes have been designated for vehicles coming from different districts to minimise congestion and maintain orderly traffic flow.
Devotees travelling from North Kashmir will follow the Shalteng–Parimpora–Qamarwari–Cement Bridge–Noorbagh–Sekidafar–Eidgah–Alimasjid–Sazgaripora–Hawal–Alamgari Bazar–Lal Bazar–Botshah Mohallah–Kanitar route before reaching the University parking area from the Saderbal side. Vehicles arriving from South Kashmir will take the Panthachowk–Athwajan–Batwara–Sonwar–Ram Munshi Bagh–Gupkar–Zethiyar Ghat–Nishat–Foreshore Road–Habbak Crossing route towards the University parking area at the Naseem Bagh side.
Devotees coming from Budgam and nearby areas have been advised to use the Hyderpora–Tengpora–Bemina Bypass–Qamarwari–Noorbagh–Hawal–Lal Bazar–Kanitar route to reach the shrine. Separate routes have also been earmarked for traffic from Lal Chowk and other city localities, including Khanyar, Rajouri Kadal, Gojwara and Hawal, to regulate the movement of devotees.
Traffic authorities have also issued return route plans for vehicles heading towards South Kashmir, Budgam, Ganderbal and Lal Chowk after the prayers in order to prevent congestion.
Meanwhile, designated parking facilities have been arranged within the University of Kashmir campus. Vehicles from North and Central Kashmir will enter through Sir Syed Gate on the Saderbal side, while those from South Kashmir and Ganderbal will use Budshah Gate on the Habbak side. Additional parking has been arranged at the NIT parking area and the multi-level parking facility near Hazratbal, with a separate parking space reserved for VIP vehicles.
Traffic Police have appealed to devotees and the general public to adhere to the designated routes and cooperate with officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious gatherings.
